Some regions are more prone to flooding than others. To determine flood insurance premiums, homeowners and business professionals in high-risk areas must provide their insurance lenders with elevation certificates. To determine whether the report is needed for your insurance coverage, here’s some information about this service.

3 Facts You Need to Know About Elevation Certificates 

1. How the Elevation Certificate Works

The elevation certificate states a building’s elevation compared to how high floodwaters are expected to rise in the area. Knowing the potential risk of flooding allows insurance lenders to better gauge what type of flood coverage is necessary. If the property is above the Base Flood Elevation on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, there’s a lower risk of flooding, which often means lower premium rates.  

2. Why You’d Need an Elevation Certificate 

If your building is at high risk for flooding, the insurance lender will require the elevation certificate before they add flood coverage to your policy. Exceptions do apply; if the property was built before the first Flood Insurance Rate Map was created, the document won’t impact your ability to secure coverage. 

3. Where to Get an Elevation Certificate

If you live in a region prone to flooding, there’s a good chance the community is part of the National Flood Insurance Program. In this case, the flood plan manager will let you know if the building already has an elevation certificate on file. The original property owner might also be able to provide the information. If you need a new certificate, many land surveyors are trained to provide the service.

If you need elevation certificates, land surveying, or topographic services in Milledgeville, GA, or the surrounding areas, reach out to Ogletree and Chivers Land Surveyors for assistance. They’ll also provide tips to protect your property from flood damage. To schedule a service appointment in Eatonton, Gordon, Irwin, or Gray, call (478) 453-3454 today. Visit the surveyors online for a detailed look at their services, and like them on Facebook for announcements.